In regards to your “Green Scene” section, we are trying to put a windmill in our backyard to go green and save money in the long run, so when we are 60 we won”t have to worry about PG&E bills (the windmill will be paid for).
The City of Clearlake started out at a $175 building permit, then it went to $500. Next, they wanted $1,200. The use permit then went to $1,500 and might rise to $2,000 by the time they are done. Now it is on hold with us because we don”t want to be the quinine pigs. And we also heard that we were, even though the time is right because we would be getting a tax write off and a rebate from PG&E.
Mind you, all our neighbors are wanting to do this same thing but are waiting for us to do it to see what happens. I don”t know what the city is proving with this. I am shocked because we asked the city administrator how much it would be to put a flagpole up in our backyard. His answer ? $175. A building permit to put up a flag pole? Now when the wind blows the flags make more noise than the wind turbine that we are trying to have put in and it is no taller than a flag pole. Why would it be different price?
And it is bird friendly, it”s not like the one on Highway 53, a propeller like an airplane. This one would be basket style. Then he mentioned the view factor, we have a beautiful view and our neighbors would still have their beautiful views, our house is surrounded by large oak trees, so our neighbors behind us on the street do not have the view of the lake like we do, because of the oak trees. So there is no view that we are ruining by having this wind turbine put up. And the county is allowing them to put the wind turbines in, not the city.
My house is perfect for this wind turbine; we have wind everyday. Even the salesman told me we did. They were amazed at the wind we have.
I don”t know if you can help, but just to let you know, as of right now you can still see our carbon footprint.
Robert Coker and Bunnie Carter
Clearlake
